Paralegal

ACLU of Washington•Seattle, WA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Paralegal provides litigation and administrative support for ACLU-WA’s legal advocacy efforts and engages in inter-departmental collaborations in alignment with the organization’s integrated advocacy strategy. The ACLU of Washington (ACLU-WA) advances liberty and justice in the courts, in the legislatures, in the streets, and at the ballot box. Our work is rooted in the belief of a future where everyone in Washington, particularly those who have been historically and systematically denied full enjoyment of their promised civil rights and liberties, are free to do so without barriers. Defending and advancing these fundamental rights and core values requires exceptional staff.

Requirements

Minimum of four (4) years of experience working in a legal setting performing paralegal and/or legal research duties.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or professional paralegal certification with 3 plus years’ relevant experience.
Demonstrated commitment to civil liberties, social justice, and equity.
Accountable and responsible team member who builds trust and fosters an atmosphere of discussion and collaboration between colleagues, while respecting and valuing multiple truths and norms.
Strong interpersonal skills, with experience working across lines of difference and both independently and collaboratively.
Experience working with and being guided by communities impacted by systems of oppression, using an empathetic, trauma-informed approach that values individuals and respects differences and lived experiences.
Experience developing and maintaining positive working relationships with visitors, volunteers, staff, and external partners via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
Excellent problem-solving skills; ability to juggle multiple on-going projects and exercise good judgment under stressful situations.
Strong project management and time management skills with the ability to complete projects on schedule.
Capacity to work in a dynamic environment with changing and time sensitive needs.
Advanced writing, research and oral communication skills.
Excellent attention to detail with demonstrated success maintaining confidential and sensitive information.
Experience producing strong and detailed work product while also working under time constraints.
Experience setting goals, taking initiative, following through on commitments, and working collaboratively as part of a team.
Demonstrated experience producing high-quality, detailed work while operating under time constraints.
Experience managing projects through completion and consistently meeting deadlines.
Experience conducting research and producing clear, well-reasoned written analysis.
Comprehension of legal language and principles, research methods, court pleadings and processes, and other related matters.
Proficiency with legal research and citation skills utilizing Bluebook, Internet and other information platforms and resources.
Proficient in case management platforms, document management platforms, local, state and federal court filing and case record platforms.
Proficiency of MS Office Suite.
Be committed to advancing the mission, vision, and values of the ACLU-WA.
Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives.
Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts.

Responsibilities

Draft legal documents, including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories.
File motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures in state and federal trial and appellate courts including creating tables, proofing, cite-checking, and other aspects of finalizing and filing of briefs and motions.
Prepare and serve complaints, filings, and discovery.
Assist in the discovery process including document review, maintenance, and production and support for deposition preparation.
Request case documents from the courts.
Prepare, organize, store, and retrieve case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items.
Research court rules and other regulations as necessary.
Analyze statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources.
Investigate facts of active or potential cases through online research and submitting Public Records Acts requests.
Interview clients and witnesses and prepare summaries of their statements as necessary.
Assist attorneys with trial preparation, which may include serving as trial paralegal and/or attending trials and hearings.
Keep case statuses and relevant details up to date via internal docket and case and document management software.
Maintain internal calendar of litigation deadlines and court dates.
Maintain Legal Department staff filing platform login credentials.
Assist with coordination of staff hiring and personnel onboarding, including candidate application reviews, candidate and staff interview scheduling, and coordination of alignment and debrief meetings.
Conduct staff and intern reference checks.
Assist with Legal Committee communications, preparation, and facilitation.
Conduct department staff trainings on internal and court procedures, processes and platforms.
Review and make recommendations for Legal Department in response to notable requests identified by the Information and Referral Program.
Draft annual and quarterly Board reports.
Maintain amicus and litigation case Dockets for ACLU-WA website.
Coordinate with Communications Department to maintain current legal case work on ACLU-WA website.
Actively participate in maintenance of strong relationships with co-counsel and clients.
Participate in ACLU-WA hiring, strategic planning, and other organizational program initiatives in collaboration with supervisor.
Maintain administrative relations with ACLU affiliates and other offices within National ACLU.
Engage with community-led advocacy as needed.
Perform other job-related special projects and other duties as assigned within scope of the role.

Benefits

three weeks of vacation
twenty-three sick days given in 2026
twelve paid holidays
two weeks of paid office closure
Employer-paid professional development
fully paid employee medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance
a retirement plan with employer contributions
student loan reimbursement
family care and adoption assistance
life insurance
an ORCA card, the regional transportation pass
ACLU-WA provides laptops, home office supplies, certain equipment, and technology support.
$150 stipend each month to help cover any additional costs while working from home.